Blustery Bournemouth
It was a quiet week for races internationally, nationally and locally. Over in Chicago Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya narrowly missed breaking the world record but ran the second fastest marathon in history finishing in 2:14.18.
In the national road relays, Exeter Harriers came from behind to take the Girls U17 title thanks to a blistering final leg from Seaton’s upcoming star, Innes Fitzgerald.
Run Bournemouth
Closer to home, two AVRs hopped over the border into Dorset to take part in the Bournemouth half-marathon on a sunny, unseasonably hot Sunday. Diane Newton and Cliff Marriott joined nearly 2,400 runners at the start line in the city. The route follows five miles along the cliff path from Hengistbury Head before heading down to the promenade, and out and back along Bournemouth and Boscombe piers with a challenging headwind.
Cliff was pleased with his 1:50.07, 559th, and can now be seen proudly sporting a purple and orange finishers T-shirt!
Diane wasn’t in good form, but was typically determined and pleased to actually finish, in 2:56:54, 5th F70.
Dolphins join the parkrun fun
At Seaton parkrun on Saturday, Kerry Board was third female finisher in a PB of 21:50. Eleanor Wood was first on age-grade in a mega 91.62% for her 22.28. Ron Seward celebrated his 100th parkrun with third place on age-grade, 78.58% in 22:43. Those who were enjoying the sunshine after parkrun on Saturday were rewarded as a pod of dolphins swam across the Bay.
The Stopline Way junior parkrun in Axminster on Sunday took place in lovely sunshine with 18 finishers. Any AVRs with children aged 4 to 14 may be interested in taking them along or volunteering to help. Visit www.parkrun.org.uk/stoplineway-juniors to register or for more information.
